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El Salvador: A Valued Partner

About the Author: Arturo Valenzuela serves as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.

Last week, I met with Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez to continue the conversation we began when I visited El Salvador in May. Our meeting underscored the great collaborative relationship between the United States and El Salvador. Our close geographical proximity, our cultural and family ties, and our historical and economic involvement have made El Salvador a valued partner.

Our friendship has led to collaboration in areas of mutual concern, including immigration, security, strengthening the rule of law, environmental initiatives, and providing relief to Haiti following January's devastating earthquake. In the humanitarian phase of the earthquake response, El Salvador donated 20 tons of food and water, five tons of blankets, and technical assistance to alleviate victims of the quake. The contribution of El Salvador's police personnel to United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) is a shining example of the country's continued support for Haiti and commitment to collaborative problem-solving in the hemisphere.